Palestine condemns the beach shooting in Australia: Rejecting violence and terrorism

Palestine condemned the shooting of Jews on the beaches of Sydney, Australia, and declared its rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism.

The AFP reported that the Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday (December 14) condemning the mass shooting that occurred earlier that day during the Hanukfestival celebration at the famous Bondi Beach in Sydney.

The statement reaffirmed the "firm opposition to all acts of violence, terrorism and extremism that violate humanitarian values", and expressed unity to "friendly country Australia".

Australia's joint recognition of the State of Palestine with the United Kingdom and Canada in September marked a historic shift in Western foreign policy in decades. The police reported on Monday (15th) that the death toll from the Bondi Beach shooting has risen to 15. The two gunmen were father and son. The father was shot dead on the spot.

The Australian authorities have classified this case as a terrorist attack and the investigation is still ongoing.

US President Trump also condemned the shooting incident, calling it a "purely anti-Semitic attack".

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to the victims, extended his sympathies to the injured and their families, and stated that France will continue to resolutely combat anti-Semitic hatred. Wherever this kind of hatred occurs, it harms all of us.

International dignitaries such as German Chancellor Olaf Merz, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, King Charles of the United Kingdom and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack.